Problems with Stardock Software, XP SP2 and IE 6.0

from WinCustomize Forums
I am new to Stardock, Object Desktop and all the other great sounding tools available here. However, since installing several tools over the weekend, I have noticed that they are very buggy, and have caused problems throughout Windows.

Some facts -- I have Windows XP SP2 and my computer is pretty new. I don't know all the specs right now because I am at work, but I do know it has a Pentium processor at 2.8Ghz and at least 1Gb of RAM. I've been running XP SP2 without any system-wide problems (meaning I've needed to upgrade the occassional program to SP-freindly versions, but no significant problems).

After installing everything in Object Desktop, and some of the other goodies, I decided to go to work playing with stuff. I checked out Acquarium Desktop and Natural Desktop and liked them, but turned them off to try other stuff. Incidentally, now neither Acquarium Desktop nor Natural Desktop will even load. But that's another story. After that, I moved to install some DesktopX themes (the ones by GEF), fiddle with Widgets and Objects and also to install a WindowBlinds theme, something called Lunar Base or something like that. I was thinking these were pretty slick and made my computing experience very non-Windows like.

However, the first glitch I noticed was in IE 6.0. It generally seems to work, but certain web pages will not load properly that worked fine before -- websites like buy.com, bankone.com, etc. Generally, any search functions or login attempts will not work. Java seems to be broken somehow. Incidentally, all these sites appear to work fine in Opera, which would be enough except that Quicken and several other programs (Stardock Central, GameSpy Arcade, etc.) use IE 6.0 to access the internet. I tried to reinstall IE 6.0, but it will not install because it says it has detected a newer version already installed. Strangely, the "About" screen in IE 6.0 does not show a version or any of the other information that it previously showed (and should show) -- I think this is why I cannot reinstall -- it cannot determine what version I have installed. In infamous Microsoft fashion, I tried uninstalling IE, but it doesn't really uninstall -- it is still there after the reboot.

The next thing I noticed was that Windows Media Player 10 will not start. It says it has encountered an error and needs to close. When using WMP10 through other software (namely, J River's Media Center 10), it says it cannot identify which version of WMP10 I have (eerily similar to the IE problem described above) and therefore will not play any video -- videos that played fine before installing any of the Stardock software. I tried reinstalling WMP10, but it encounters an error at the end of the installation and will not start.

Another thing I noticed is that if I hit START and then Search, the space in the window that comes up is completely blank except for the little doggie wagging its tail. No choices above it, as would normally appear.

This is all I have noticed so far, but I sense the problems may run much deeper indeed. All does, however, seem to relate to the MS operating system and related MS software. I have not experienced any problems in other software, except to the extent such software relies on MS software (such as IE) to operate.

Since discovering these problems, I have uninstalled ALL Stardock software except Stardock Central, CursorXP and Icon Packager. I want these programs but I want to get Windows working and then take a more systematic approach to determining the root of the problem (by installing the Stardock programs one at a time and testing functionality throughout Windows before moving on to the next Stardock program).

Question is, have any of you heard of this? Any ideas about what could cause it. I am hoping a simple uninstall/reboot/reinstall of Windows XP SP2 will get my system back to normal, but I am pretty nervous about how these Stardock programs messed everything up.

Any insight would be appreciated. I'll post my results here as I troubleshoot the problem. Hopefully I won't have to ask Stardock for all my money back!!
15,453 views 21 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm no geek & can't help with your system.

I can tell you it's not Stardock. I'm using XP Home/SP2/IE6 & FireFox.

I have ObjectDestop running on all users with no problems.

I don't have the Aquarium, but Natural Desktop runs fine.

If you have a firewall don't forget to allow things like N.Dsktp.

In the beginning with SP2 I did spend a little time tuning the security system & managing addons.

You might want to check that java is enabled in tools, internet options, advanced.

Have you run window update to make sure you have them all? or at least the ones you need.

I also seem to remember when I bought my computer I still had to download addons like macromedia etc.

There are a lot of savvy people at this site, hopefully at least 1 will see your post.

Luck.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I can tell you it's not Stardock.


I completely disagree -- that's the only thing I have changed in my system. It worked before and now it doesn't. Not too difficult to determine Stardock IS the problem. And Java is enabled -- like everything else, it worked before and doesn't now.

Forgot to mention -- Windowsupdate won't load now either, so I can't even try that. That's why I think I have to reinstall Windows.
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I can tell you it's not Stardock.


I completely disagree -- that's the only thing I have changed in my system. It worked before and now it doesn't. Not too difficult to determine Stardock IS the problem. And Java is enabled -- like everything else, it worked before and doesn't now.

Forgot to mention -- Windowsupdate won't load now either, so I can't even try that. That's why I think I have to reinstall Windows.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If Java is broken (and I know of no reason that any Stardock application would break it ), then I'd suggest you download the Java Runtime Environment from Sun and install that.

I have to say that I have not heard these symptoms before in relation to Object Desktop etc. I know you think that Stardock applications have caused this problem, and like any software, it is possible for things to go wrong, but I would also very strongly suggest you run a spyware checker or two over your system - Spybot as well as BHODemon (which looks at things that have been added into Internet Explorer - my recommendation, disable anything that is not marked as OK and see what happens) are good tools to use for a start. You didn't mention whether or not you have a virus checker, but if not, you could do worse than try AVG Free edition, which as the name suggests is free.

I hope that you can figure out what's up. Usually there is a way to do so without reinstalling over the top, although it is one option.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've been using Stardock products for years, and have never had any problem like you describe.

Forgot to mention -- Windowsupdate won't load now either, so I can't even try that.

Won't load, or doesn't work? I recently had a problem with Window's Update where I got an different error everytime I tried. Had nothing to do with Stardock though........ it was my fault. I had turned off some services needed for the update site to work.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
well my comments show up as double and then they disappear completely
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
JamMeister33, what does that have to do with the thread starter's PC problems? o_O

Seems to be a lot of double posting going on....seems like threads even end up double posted in separate forums.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you'll notice one post has my nickname and the second has Citizen before my nickname, I haven't been able to figure out how to fix that, and yes I do think it relates to the thread starter's problems since I am running the same setup.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think your issue might be more of a site problem than a PC problem, there have been a few bugs roaming around...the double posting bug seems to be a popular one. There are lots of other people using stardock products on windows xp sp2 (like myself) but I'm an enthusiastic firefox user so I wouldn't know about IE.:S T-Man would probably know more.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know it is the Stardock stuff, I quite frankly cannot take anyone seriously who thinks otherwise. My system has been working flawlessly for months and the ONLY thing I messed with over the weekend was installing the Stardock software. Some stuff did not seem to work quite right, got some error messages, and voila, Windows is in utter disarray. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the root cause of the problem. It is most definitely NOT a site bug as the IE problem is affecting too many sites, and all sites that worked Saturday morning but not Sunday night. Also, keep in mind that it is more than that -- problems are systemic ranging to Windows Media Player as well.

By the way, antivirus and spyware turn up nothing (other than a couple tracking cookies that are NOT the problem). And I did get Windows Update working, though I cannot do it through the web. The IE problems are stopping me from being able to use many sites, including that one.

Regardless, I am going to back up some stuff to my 2nd Hard Drive and do a complete reformat of my C:\ Drive. I'll probably give the Stardock apps another shot -- this time installing them before I move to SP2 -- but I'll tell you, if they cause this problem again I will not be a happy camper, to say the least.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
On the Object Desktop software, did you install the actual release versions or the beta versions? Also, did you do a Windows Update after installing the OD programs? There have been a number of posts here and on others websites about how one of the recent updates screwed up many computers. Some of those complaining to MS have never even heard of object desktop.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I know it is the Stardock stuff, I quite frankly cannot take anyone seriously who thinks otherwise.

So essentially you're not really looking for help but rather confirmation of who to blame?  

Object Desktop doesn't mess with your system files.  It simply installs a series of programs to c:\program files\stardock\object desktop.  When it's uninstalled, it's uninstalled. It doesn't update Java or change Internet Explorer's behavior or touch Windows Media Player.  

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So essentially you're not really looking for help but rather confirmation of who to blame?

Object Desktop doesn't mess with your system files. It simply installs a series of programs to c:\program files\stardock\object desktop. When it's uninstalled, it's uninstalled. It doesn't update Java or change Internet Explorer's behavior or touch Windows Media Player.


I am seeking a RESOLUTION to a problem that I KNOW was caused by this company's software. Absent that, I have to deal with it on my own and see what happens.

Object Desktop DOES mess with your system files -- the crux of many of their apps involve registry tweaks and other shell enhancements -- by their very nature "messing" with your system files. Give me a break!

If I sound negative, it's because I am. I quite frankly don't enjoy when software from a reputable company takes down my system and forces me to reinstall the entire operating system. It would be one thing if I was installing "Joe Schmo's Shell Enhancement," but I am not. Stardock has been around the block and should be better than this.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
On the Object Desktop software, did you install the actual release versions or the beta versions?


I installed some betas. Basically, whatever version Stardock Central showed as available.

Also, did you do a Windows Update after installing the OD programs? There have been a number of posts here and on others websites about how one of the recent updates screwed up many computers. Some of those complaining to MS have never even heard of object desktop.


No Windows Update after installing the programs.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I haven't installed SP2 so I can't help you with that but I can say for a FACT I know that Stardock software dosen't mess with system files.

Sounds like a virus to me.

Try a online virus scan at Trend Micro.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
the crux of many of their apps involve registry tweaks and other shell enhancements --


Item 1. Did you run Tweakshell? Sounds like you experimented with it.

Item 2. Beta programs are "Not Ready For Prime Time" and are not what Stardock sells. As a customer you are given access to the betas with a use at your own risk policy. I don't suggest using a beta unless your willing to accept the risk. I only use betas to help "test" the products I use or where I am interested in seeing the programs developed to a point where I can use them. A good example would be Right Click. When first released it was a bit buggy and not something I would use for work. However during my "free" time, I would load it up and see what kinds of things I could use it for. Now that it has been through a couple revisions, I use it constantly.

Having said all that, I tend to think there is more to your problem than just OD. You may have tweaked your shell and given yourself results you were not expecting due to your lack of familiarity with the program. Try to go into a little more detail, maybe upload a screenshot of your website problems and we will try to help you.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know it is the Stardock stuff, I quite frankly cannot take anyone seriously who thinks otherwise.


The problem with taking you seriously is that you're what a mounts to a lone voice with these problems whereas there are many people with systems essentially the same as yours that are running ObjDesk with no problems - myself included.

There'll be plenty of people willing to help if you back off with the attitude a bit - plus it'll make it less galling to apologise if it does turn out to be a problem unrelated to Stardock

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
jkrell,

I understand how frustrating it can be to have issues after installing something you like.

Here is my system config:

Intel board w/ 845GL chipset, 2.5 Ghz P4, 400 Mhz FSB, 1 GB PC2100 RAM (2 x 512 MB sticks), No AGP slot (BIG mistake, HUGE - stuck with either onboard Intel Extreme or PCI - went with ATI Radeon 128 MB PCI video card), Windows XP Pro w/ SP2, IExplorer version: 6.0.2900.2180.xp_sp2.rtm.040803-2158 (nice version number, eh?). All settings are default for Windows XP, msconfig is set to start-up normal, IE privacy settings are at "Medium-High", Pop-up blocker is "On", Security Center is set to - Firewall=Off, Updates=download and inform, Virus Protection=Not Monitored. I run Window Update religiously and install just about everything.

Security and Utility software: Norton Internet Security Professional 2003 and Norton SystemWorks 2003 (Always kept up to date).

I have Office XP Pro, Visio 2002, Publisher 2002, Frontpage 2002, as well as a number of Adobe, Corel, Jasc, Axialis, Ahead (Nero 6), Curious Labs and others installed.

Okay, so obviously a lot of stuff.

I have been running Object Desktop - in particular, WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX, SkinStudio, and ObjectDock (which is not actually part of Object Desktop suite) for just under a year.

The only issues I have seen are these:

1) ObjectDock taxes the CPU during the magnification process (zooming) - I decided to run my docks without magnification and have a nice low memory use at all times, and have 1 normal dock and 2 tabbed docks running at all times.

2) Upon the first launching of DesktopX, my Norton Antivirus sent a "Malicious Script Detected" warning - which I allowed. All my widgets, objects and DesktopX work fine - (older themes do retain the right-click menu that DesktopX used to use, which is different from the standard Windows default desktop right-click menu).

Anyway, throughout my use of the programs mentioned above, I have not seen any issues with Internet Explorer that I have not seen on my machine at work which does not have any Stardock software installed (unfortunately, the admins - friends of mine - won't let me install any customization stuff yet).

I would not suggest any clean install of the OS and SP2 because of suspicions of Stardock software issues. I would suggest going to a post I made here Link and use the link in comment #1 to get the "odnt_zapper" utility, download it, run it, and have it uninstall all the Object Desktop software.

You sound pretty computer savvy to me so here is the short version:

Deselect any options to "start automatically when windows starts" in any of the Stardock software, return XP to the default theme including any icons, run the "odnt_zapper" utility, uninstall ObjectDock if installed, and reboot computer.

After reboot, go to: "C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Local Settings\Application Data" and delete any Stardock folder there. Now go to C:\Program Files and delete any Stardock folder there.

All Stardock software should now be gone leaving only registry records which should not cause any issues.

Reinstall and as you intended run one program at a time until you are satisfied. If I may, I would suggest going in this order - WindowBlinds, IconPackager, ObjectDock (if you are using this one), SkinStudio, Icon Developer, then DesktopX - running the default DesktopX theme to start.

The reason I suggest going with DesktopX last is that your issue sounds like it might be an internet access issue (i.e., Weather widgets need to connect to access updates).

I am thinking that if it is an Internet Access issue, there may be something in your Firewall or Anti-Virus that is not responding well to requests to access the internet. I am assuming you have tried a "Repair" through your NIC's right-click menu and have eliminated a hardware issue.

I apologize for the long comment, I am starting to feel like my posts are more like a short story than a comment.

I hope this helps in some way.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have emerged from my format and reinstall of Windows XP. Being cautious, I installed Dektop X, WindowBlinds and CursorXP FIRST (before updating to SP2), tested functionality of those programs and the "problem" programs I had before. I am also ONLY installing non-beta programs from Stardock -- I'll let the beta testers work out all the kinks. I am used to using beta versions, but I'll stay away given what happened to my system previously. I then installed SP2 and all the other updates. Everything appears to be working just fine so far. I am using the Digital Revenge DesktopX theme available at www.wincustomize.com -- it rocks.

So far, no problems other than a Windows Media Player glitch that appears to be unrelated. I think I just have to fiddle with that a bit to get it working correctly. I cannot and will not completely exculpate Stardock from blame here. I can honestly say that my system had been working flawlessly up to the day I installed the Stardock apps. After that, it wasn't. I did install some betas -- maybe something happened with one of those that screwed up my system. I also think I may have just blindly installed too many apps at a single time. Who knows.

The thing about PCs, as everyone on this board knows, is that no two systems are the same. Even if you had ALL the same software installed that I do (highly unlikely, right?), you probably don't have the exact same hardware, right? There are so many variables that there is no way someone can definitively state that this was not a Stardock problem. Once I complete reinstallation of all my apps, I am would not be surprised if the problem never happens again, even though I've essentially restored my system to exactly what it was before.

This was all a good process to go through anyway -- I find that an occasional complete wipe of the hard drive and reinstall from the ground up is a good thing anyway. I always find my computer runs better than it ever has after this is done, and it enables you to clean up half the junk that had been residing on your hard drive previously.

I really do like the Stardock apps, and hope I have a better result this time around.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I'll post here again if any of the problems do reoccur!!
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Glad to hear your up an running.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Good to hear, man.

And yeah, Beta programs are after all, still a bit buggy. Nice to have a clean registry though, eh?

Good luck.